Moisture detecting bleeder materials

ABSTRACT

A moisture detecting bleeder material includes a fiberglass material and a moisture absorption indicator material. The moisture absorption indicator material undergoes a color change from a first color to a second color when exposed to moisture. The color change thermally irreversible a temperature of 450° F.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from and is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/008,302, entitled “MOISTURE DETECTING BLEEDERMATERIALS,” filed Jan. 27, 2016, the entire contents of which areexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to moisture detectingbleeder materials.

BACKGROUND

During repair of a composite part, the presence of moisture may beassociated with various problems, such as inhibiting adhesion of repairmaterials to the composite part. A repair area is typically dried beforethe repair, and steps are taken to prevent moisture ingression. Afterdrying, it may be difficult to detect moisture ingress. As a result, ifprocedures were followed and the repair appears to be satisfactory, anassumption is typically made that there was no moisture ingressionduring the repair process.

SUMMARY

In a particular embodiment, a method includes applying a plurality oflayers to a composite repair area. The plurality of layers includes amoisture detecting bleeder material that includes a moisture absorptionindicator material. A color change of the moisture absorption indicatormaterial from a first color to a second color is indicative of moistureabsorption by the moisture absorption indicator material. The methodincludes applying a bagging film to the composite repair area. Thebagging film includes a fluid interface, and the method includesperforming a moisture removal operation that includes applying a vacuum(e.g., a pressure that is less than an ambient pressure) to the fluidinterface. The method also includes removing the bagging film to exposethe moisture detecting bleeder material. The method further includesevaluating the exposed moisture detecting bleeder material to determinewhether the color change occurred.

In another particular embodiment, a method includes applying a compositerepair formulation to a composite repair area. After applying thecomposite repair formulation, the method includes applying a pluralityof layers to the composite repair area. The plurality of layers includesa moisture detecting bleeder material that includes a moistureabsorption indicator material. A color change of the moisture absorptionindicator material from a first color to a second color is indicative ofmoisture absorption by the moisture absorption indicator material. Themethod also includes applying a bagging film to the composite repairarea, performing a curing operation that includes heating the compositerepair formulation, and removing the bagging film to expose the moisturedetecting bleeder material. The method further includes evaluating theexposed moisture detecting bleeder material to determine whether thecolor change occurred.

In another particular embodiment, a moisture detecting bleeder materialincludes a fiberglass material and a moisture absorption indicatormaterial. The moisture absorption indicator material undergoes a colorchange from a first color to a second color when exposed to moisture.The color change is thermally irreversible below a temperature of 450°F.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been described can beachieved independently in various embodiments or may be combined inother embodiments, further details of which are disclosed with referenceto the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a moisture removal operation(associated with a composite repair operation) that includes applicationof a moisture detecting bleeder material to a composite repair area,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a curing operation (associated with acomposite repair operation) that includes application of a moisturedetecting bleeder material to a composite repair area, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a particular embodiment of a methodof evaluating a moisture removal operation (associated with a compositerepair operation) using a moisture detecting bleeder material; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a particular embodiment of a methodof evaluating a curing operation (associated with a composite repairoperation) using a moisture detecting bleeder material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes moisture detecting bleeder materials(e.g., bleeder cloths including woven fibers or bleeder mats includingnon-woven fibers) that may be utilized to determine whether moisture wasabsorbed during one or more operations associated with repair of acomposite part. For example, the moisture detecting bleeder materials ofthe present disclosure may be used to determine whether a moistureremoval operation was satisfactory and/or whether a curing operation wassatisfactory. The moisture detecting bleeder materials of the presentdisclosure include a moisture absorbing indicator material. A colorchange of the moisture absorption indicator material from a first color(e.g., a white color) to a second color (e.g., a non-white color, suchas blue) is indicative of moisture absorption by the moisture absorptionindicator material.

In some cases, the moisture detecting bleeder materials of the presentdisclosure may be utilized to evaluate an effectiveness of a moistureremoval operation (associated with a composite repair operation), asillustrated and further described herein with respect to FIG. 1. Inother cases, the moisture detecting bleeder materials of the presentdisclosure may be utilized to evaluate an effectiveness of a curingoperation (associated with the composite repair operation), asillustrated and further described herein with respect to FIG. 2. In thecase of the moisture removal operation, the absorption of moisture bythe moisture absorption indicator material is indicative of thesatisfactory removal of moisture prior to performing one or moresubsequent composite repair operations. In the case of the curingoperation, the absorption of moisture by the moisture absorptionindicator material is indicative of the presence of moisture resultingfrom moisture ingression through the composite part and/or humidity froma vacuum bagging leak. As the presence of moisture during the curingoperation may result in an unsatisfactory repair (e.g., associated withporosity in a laminate patch or a bonded adhesive joint), a color changemay be indicative of an unsatisfactory composite repair operation.

Referring to FIG. 1, a diagram 100 illustrates a particular embodimentof a moisture removal operation (associated with a composite repairoperation) that includes application of a moisture detecting bleedermaterial 102 to a composite repair area 104 (of a composite part 106).The moisture detecting bleeder material 102 includes a moistureabsorption indicator material, and a color change of the moistureabsorption indicator material from a first color (e.g., a white color)to a second color (e.g., a non-white color, such as a blue color) isindicative of moisture absorption by the moisture absorption indicatormaterial. For example, the moisture detecting bleeder material 102 mayinclude a fiberglass material, and the moisture absorption indicatormaterial may be a component of the fiberglass material (e.g., dispersedin the fiberglass material). As described further herein, the colorchange may be indicative of a satisfactory moisture removal operation.

In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a plurality oflayers are applied to the composite repair area 104. In the example ofFIG. 1, the plurality of layers includes a porous release film layer 108(e.g., a perforated release film) between the moisture detecting bleedermaterial 102 and the composite repair area 104. The plurality of layersalso includes a heat blanket layer 110 overlying the moisture detectingbleeder material 102 and a breather layer 112 overlying the heat blanketlayer 110. In other cases, the plurality of layers may include fewerlayers or more layers. While FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which aheat source for the moisture removal operation is the heat blanket layer110, in other cases, the heat source may be an oven or an autoclave. Insuch cases, the heat blanket layer 110 may be omitted from the pluralityof layers. A bagging film 114 that includes at least one fluid interfacemay be applied to the composite repair area 104. In the example of FIG.1, the bagging film 114 includes a fluid interface 116 (identified as“Vacuum Out” in FIG. 1) that enables the application of a vacuum (e.g.,a pressure that is less than an ambient pressure) to the compositerepair area 104, providing a moisture path 118 for removal of moisturefrom the composite repair area 104. In the particular embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, a second fluid interface 120 (identified as“Vacuum Monitor” in FIG. 1) may enable monitoring of the vacuum duringthe moisture removal operation.

FIG. 1 illustrates a particular example in which sealant tape 122 isused to secure the bagging film 114 (as well as the plurality of layersbelow the bagging film 114) over the composite repair area 104. In othercases, alternative and/or additional sealing methods may be employed inorder to seal the bagging film 114 to the composite part 106 to enablethe application of the vacuum to the composite repair area 104 formoisture removal. After application of the multiple layers to thecomposite repair area 104, a moisture removal operation may be performedthat includes applying a vacuum to the fluid interface 116. Afterperforming the moisture removal operation, the bagging film 114 may beremoved to expose the moisture detecting bleeder material 102. Theexposed moisture detecting bleeder material 102 may be evaluated todetermine whether the color change occurred. When the color changeoccurred, the moisture removal operation may be considered asatisfactory moisture removal operation because the color changeindicates that moisture passed through the moisture detecting bleedermaterial 102. As illustrated and further described herein with respectto FIG. 2, a curing operation may be performed after determining thatthe moisture removal operation was successful based on the color change.Alternatively, a lack of color change may be associated with anunsatisfactory moisture removal operation because the lack of colorchange indicates that moisture did not pass through the moisturedetecting bleeder material 102. In this case, a second or additionalmoisture removal operation may be performed after determining that thecolor change did not occur.

In a particular embodiment, the color change of the moisture absorptionindicator material of the moisture detecting bleeder cloth layer 102 isthermally irreversible within a temperature range associated with theprocess conditions of the moisture removal operation. For example, thecolor change may be thermally irreversible below a temperature of 450°F. The moisture absorption indicator material may include a metal halidematerial, such as chloride material, a bromide material, or acombination thereof (e.g., where the metal includes nickel, cobalt, or acombination thereof). Illustrative, non-limiting examples include NickelII Bromide, Cobalt II Chloride, Cobalt II Bromide, among otheralternatives (or combinations thereof). In some cases, the metal halidematerial(s) may be a component of a silica gel (e.g., dispersed in anactivated silica gel).

Thus, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a moisture removal operation thatmay be performed prior to a curing operation of a composite repairoperation (as described further herein with respect to FIG. 2). Themoisture removal operation includes the use of a moisture detectingbleeder material that includes a moisture absorption indicator materialthat changes color from a first color to a second color when exposed tomoisture. After the moisture removal operation, the moisture detectingbleeder material may be evaluated in order to determine whether themoisture absorption indicator material changed color as a result ofexposure to moisture. A color change of the moisture absorptionindicator material from the first color to the second color may beindicative of moisture absorption during the moisture removal operation,representing a satisfactory moisture removal operation, while theabsence of a color change may be indicative of an unsatisfactorymoisture removal operation.

Referring to FIG. 2, a diagram 200 illustrates a particular embodimentof a curing operation (associated with a composite repair operation)that includes application of the moisture detecting bleeder material 102to the composite repair area 104 (of the composite part 106). FIG. 2illustrates that a composite repair formulation 202 (e.g., apre-impregnated material, also referred to as a “prepreg material”) isapplied to the composite repair area 104 prior to applying the otherlayers of a composite repair layup. The curing operation may beperformed after a satisfactory moisture removal operation, as describedherein with respect to FIG. 1. Alternatively, the moisture detectingbleeder material 102 may be utilized for only the moisture removaloperation or for only the curing operation. As in the example of FIG. 1,the moisture detecting bleeder material 102 of FIG. 2 includes themoisture absorption indicator material that changes color from the firstcolor to the second color when exposed to moisture. After the curingoperation, the moisture detecting bleeder material 102 may be evaluatedin order to determine whether the moisture absorption indicator materialchanged color as a result of exposure to moisture. A color change fromthe first color to the second color is indicative of the presence ofmoisture during the curing operation, representing an unsatisfactorycuring operation, while the absence of a color change is indicative of asatisfactory curing operation.

The composite repair formulation 202 may include one or more volatilecomponents. During the curing operation, heat may be applied to thecomposite repair formulation 202 (e.g., via the heat blanket layer 110or via another heat source, such as an oven or an autoclave), and thevolatile component(s) may be removed via application of a vacuum (e.g.,a pressure that is less than an ambient pressure) via the fluidinterface 116. In some cases, exposure of the moisture detecting bleedermaterial 102 to the volatile component(s) may not result in the colorchange from the first color to the second color. In a particularembodiment, the color change of the moisture absorption indicatormaterial is thermally irreversible within a temperature range associatedwith the process conditions of the curing operation. For example, thecolor change may be thermally irreversible below a temperature of 450°F. that may represent a maximum temperature that results fromapplication of heat to the composite repair formulation 202. As anexample, the moisture absorption indicator material may include a metalhalide material, such as chloride material, a bromide material, or acombination thereof (e.g., where the metal includes nickel, cobalt, or acombination thereof). Illustrative, non-limiting examples include NickelII Bromide, Cobalt II Chloride, Cobalt II Bromide, among otheralternatives (or combinations thereof). In some cases, the metal halidematerial(s) may be a component of a silica gel (e.g., dispersed in anactivated silica gel).

FIG. 2 illustrates that a plurality of layers may be applied after thecomposite repair formulation 202 has been applied to the compositerepair area 104. In the example of FIG. 2, the plurality of layersincludes the porous release film layer 108 (e.g., a perforated releasefilm) between the moisture detecting bleeder material 102 and thecomposite repair area 104 (that includes the composite repairformulation 202). The plurality of layers also includes a solid releasefilm layer 204 overlying the moisture detecting bleeder material 102,the heat blanket layer 110 overlying the solid release film layer 204,and the breather layer 112 overlying the heat blanket layer 110. Inother cases, the plurality of layers may include fewer layers or morelayers. While FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which a heat source forthe curing operation is the heat blanket layer 110, in other cases, theheat source may be an oven or an autoclave. In such cases, the heatblanket layer 110 may be omitted from the plurality of layers. Thebagging film 114 (that includes the fluid interface 116) may be appliedto the composite repair area 104 after application of the plurality oflayers, and the bagging film 114 may seal the composite repair area 104(e.g., using the sealant tape 122).

After application of the multiple layers to the composite repair area104, a curing operation may be performed that includes applying a vacuumto the fluid interface 116 and applying heat (e.g., via the heat blanketlayer 110 or via another heat source). After performing the curingoperation, the bagging film 114 may be removed to expose the moisturedetecting bleeder material 102. The exposed moisture detecting bleedermaterial 102 may be evaluated to determine whether the color changeoccurred. A color change may be indicative of moisture ingression fromone or more locations during the curing operation (shown in FIG. 2 as“Moisture Ingression” and “Humid Air from Bagging Leak”) or ineffectivedrying before the curing operation. Accordingly, the color change mayindicate that the curing operation was an unsatisfactory curingoperation. Alternatively, a lack of color change may be associated witha satisfactory curing operation.

Thus, FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a curing operation associatedwith a composite repair operation. The curing operation includes the useof a moisture detecting bleeder material that includes a moistureabsorption indicator material that changes color from a first color to asecond color when exposed to moisture. After the curing operation, themoisture detecting bleeder material may be evaluated in order todetermine whether the moisture absorption indicator material changedcolor. The color change may be thermally irreversible at a temperatureassociated with the curing operation. Unlike dessicant canisters thatexperience color reversion under high temperature conditions, themoisture absorption indicator material of the present disclosure mayretain the color change in order to determine whether moisture waspresent during the curing operation. A color change from the first colorto the second color is indicative of moisture incursion during thecuring operation, representing an unsatisfactory curing operation, whilethe absence of a color change is indicative of a satisfactory curingoperation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a particular embodiment of a method 300 of evaluatinga moisture removal operation using a moisture detecting bleedermaterial. The moisture detecting bleeder material includes a moistureabsorption indicator material, and a color change of the moistureabsorption indicator material from a first color to a second color isindicative of moisture absorption by the moisture absorption indicatormaterial. The color change may be indicative of a satisfactory moistureremoval operation.

The method 300 includes applying a plurality of layers to a compositerepair area, at 302. The plurality of layers includes a moisturedetecting bleeder material that includes a moisture absorption indicatormaterial. A color change of the moisture absorption indicator materialfrom a first color (e.g., a white color) to a second color (e.g., anon-white color, such as a blue color) is indicative of moistureabsorption by the moisture absorption indicator material. As furtherdescribed herein, in some cases, the plurality of layers may furtherinclude a porous release film layer between the moisture detectingbleeder material and the composite repair area, a heat blanket layeroverlying the moisture detecting bleeder material, and a breather layeroverlying the heat blanket layer. As described further herein, in somecases, the heat blanket layer 110 may represent a heat source for themoisture removal operation. In other cases, the heat source may be anoven or an autoclave, and the heat blanket layer 110 may be omitted fromthe plurality of layers. For example, referring to FIG. 1, a pluralityof layers including the moisture detecting bleeder material 102 may beapplied to the composite repair area 104. FIG. 1 further illustrates anexample in which the plurality of layers also includes the porousrelease film layer 108, the heat blanket layer 110, and the breatherlayer 112.

The method 300 includes applying a bagging film to the composite repairarea, at 304. The bagging film includes a fluid interface to enableapplication of a vacuum (e.g., a pressure that is less than an ambientpressure) to the composite repair area during a moisture removaloperation. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the bagging film 114 may beapplied to the composite repair area 104. As shown in FIG. 1, thebagging film 114 includes the fluid interface 116 (illustrated as“Vacuum Out”) to provide the moisture path 118 for removal of moisturefrom the composite repair area 104 during a moisture removal operationof a composite repair operation.

The method 300 includes performing a moisture removal operation thatincludes applying a vacuum to the fluid interface, at 306. For example,referring to FIG. 1, after sealing the bagging film 114 to the compositepart 106 (e.g., using the sealant tape 122), a vacuum (e.g., a pressurethat is less than an ambient pressure) may be applied to the fluidinterface 116.

The method 300 includes removing the bagging film to expose the moisturedetecting bleeder material, at 308. For example, referring to FIG. 1,after performing the moisture removal operation, the bagging film 114may be removed to expose the moisture detecting bleeder material 102.

The method 300 includes evaluating the exposed moisture detectingbleeder material to determine whether color change occurred, at 310.When the moisture absorption indicator material changes color from thefirst color to the second color (indicative of moisture absorption bythe moisture indicating material), the moisture removal operation may beconsidered a satisfactory moisture removal operation, as shown at 312.When the moisture absorption indicator material does not change colorfrom the first color to the second color, the moisture removal operationmay be considered an unsatisfactory moisture removal operation, as shownat 314.

Thus, FIG. 3 illustrates a particular example of a method of evaluatinga moisture removal operation using a moisture detecting bleedermaterial. The moisture detecting bleeder material includes a moistureabsorption indicator material, and a color change of the moistureabsorption indicator material from a first color to a second color isindicative of moisture absorption by the moisture absorption indicatormaterial. The moisture detecting bleeder material may be examined afterthe moisture removal operation in order to determine whether the colorchange occurred. A color change may be indicative of a satisfactorymoisture removal operation.

FIG. 4 illustrates a particular embodiment of a method 400 of evaluatinga curing operation using a moisture detecting bleeder material. Themoisture detecting bleeder material includes a moisture absorptionindicator material, and a color change of the moisture absorptionindicator material from a first color (e.g., a white color) to a secondcolor (e.g., a non-white color, such as a blue color) is indicative ofmoisture absorption by the moisture absorption indicator material. Thecolor change may be indicative of an unsatisfactory curing operation.

The method 400 includes applying a composite repair formulation to acomposite repair area, at 402. For example, referring to FIG. 2, thecomposite repair formulation 202 may be applied to the composite repairarea 104.

The method 400 includes applying a plurality of layers to the compositerepair area, at 404. The plurality of layers includes a moisturedetecting bleeder material that includes a moisture absorption indicatormaterial. A color change of the moisture absorption indicator materialfrom a first color to a second color is indicative of moistureabsorption by the moisture absorption indicator material. As furtherdescribed herein, in some cases, the plurality of layers may furtherinclude a porous release film layer between the moisture detectingbleeder material and the composite repair area, a solid release filmlayer overlying the moisture detecting bleeder material, a heat blanketlayer overlying the solid release film layer, and a breather layeroverlying the heat blanker layer. As described further herein, in somecases, the heat blanket layer 110 may represent a heat source for thecuring operation. In other cases, the heat source may be an oven or anautoclave, and the heat blanket layer 110 may be omitted from theplurality of layers. For example, referring to FIG. 2, a plurality oflayers including the moisture detecting bleeder material 102 may beapplied to the composite repair area 104. FIG. 2 further illustrates anexample in which the plurality of layers also includes the porousrelease film layer 108 (overlying the composite repair formulation 202applied to the composite repair area 104), the solid release film layer204, the heat blanket layer 110, and the breather layer 112. In othercases, the plurality of layers may include fewer layers or more layers.

The method 400 includes applying a bagging film to the composite repairarea, at 406. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the bagging film 114 maybe applied to the composite repair area 104. As shown in FIG. 2, thebagging film 114 includes the fluid interface 116 (illustrated as“Vacuum Out”) to provide the moisture path 118 for removal of moisturein the case of moisture ingression into the composite part 106 and/ormoisture ingression as a result of a bagging leak.

The method 400 includes performing a curing operation that includesheating the composite repair formulation, at 408. For example, referringto FIG. 2, a curing operation may be performed that includes heating thecomposite repair formulation 202 (e.g., via application of heat usingthe heat blanket layer 110). While not shown in the example of FIG. 2,in other cases, heat may be applied via an oven or an autoclave, and theheat blanket layer 110 may be omitted from the plurality of layers.

The method 400 includes, after curing the composite repair formulation,removing the bagging film to expose the moisture detecting bleedermaterial, at 410. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the bagging film 114may be removed to expose the moisture detecting bleeder material 102.

The method 400 includes evaluating the exposed moisture detectingbleeder material to determine whether a color change occurred, at 412.When the moisture absorption indicator material does not change color tothe second color (indicative of no moisture incursion during the curingoperation), the curing operation may be considered a satisfactorycomposite repair operation, as shown at 414. When the moistureabsorption indicator material changes color to the second color(indicative of moisture incursion during the curing operation), thecuring operation may be considered an unsatisfactory composite repairoperation, as shown at 416.

Thus, FIG. 4 illustrates a particular example of a method of evaluatinga curing operation using a moisture detecting bleeder material. Themoisture detecting bleeder material includes a moisture absorptionindicator material, and a color change of the moisture absorptionindicator material from a first color to a second color is indicative ofmoisture absorption by the moisture absorption indicator material. Thecolor change may be indicative of the presence of moisture during thecuring operation (e.g., resulting from moisture ingression into thecomposite part, a bagging leak, etc.), representing an unsatisfactorycuring operation.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of the variousembodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systemsthat utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from thedisclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Forexample, method steps may be performed in a different order than isshown in the figures or one or more method steps may be omitted.Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded asillustrative rather than restrictive.

Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated anddescribed herein, it is to be appreciated that any subsequentarrangement designed to achieve the same or similar results may besubstituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure isintended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations ofvarious embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and otherembodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to thoseof skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is submitted with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, variousfeatures may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment forthe purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to beinterpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodimentsrequire more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, the claimed subject matter may bedirected to less than all of the features of any of the disclosedembodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A moisture detecting bleeder material comprising:a fiberglass material; and a moisture absorption indicator material,wherein the moisture absorption indicator material undergoes a colorchange from a first color to a second color when exposed to moisture,and wherein the color change is thermally irreversible below atemperature of 450° F.
 2. The moisture detecting bleeder material ofclaim 1, wherein the moisture absorption indicator material includes ametal halide material.
 3. The moisture detecting bleeder material ofclaim 2, wherein the metal halide material is a component of a silicagel.
 4. The moisture detecting bleeder material of claim 2, wherein themetal halide material includes a chloride material, a bromide material,or a combination thereof.
 5. The moisture detecting bleeder material ofclaim 2, wherein the metal halide material includes nickel, cobalt, or acombination thereof.
 6. The moisture detecting bleeder material of claim1, wherein an area of the moisture absorption indicator material islarger than or coextensive with an intended composite repair area.
 7. Anapparatus comprising: a moisture detecting bleeder material thatincludes a moisture absorption indicator material, wherein the moistureabsorption indicator material undergoes a color change from a firstcolor to a second color when exposed to moisture, and wherein the colorchange is thermally irreversible below a temperature of 450° F.; aporous release film layer directly coupled to the moisture detectingbleeder material; and a breather layer overlying the moisture detectingbleeder material.
 8. The apparatus material of claim 7, wherein themoisture absorption indicator material includes a metal halide material.9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the metal halide material is acomponent of a silica gel.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein themetal halide material includes a chloride material, a bromide material,or a combination thereof.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein an areaof the moisture absorption indicator material is larger than orcoextensive with an intended composite repair area.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the moisture absorption indicator material includes ableeder cloth, a bleeder mat, or a combination thereof.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the breather is coupled to a first side ofthe moisture detecting bleeder material, and wherein the porous releasefilm layer is directly coupled to a second side of the moisturedetecting bleeder material opposite of the first side.
 14. The apparatusof claim 7, further comprising a solid release film layer, wherein themoisture detecting bleeder material is between the porous release filmlayer and the solid release film layer.
 15. An apparatus comprising: amoisture detecting bleeder material that includes a moisture absorptionindicator material; a part comprising a composite repair area, whereinan area of the moisture absorption indicator material is larger than orcoextensive with the composite repair area; and a porous release filmlayer between the moisture detecting bleeder material and the compositerepair area.
 16. The apparatus material of claim 15, wherein themoisture absorption indicator material includes a metal halide material.17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the metal halide material is acomponent of a silica gel.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein themetal halide material includes a chloride material, a bromide material,or a combination thereof.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein themetal halide material includes nickel, cobalt, or a combination thereof.20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the moisture absorption indicatormaterial includes a bleeder cloth, a bleeder mat, or a combinationthereof.